Windows Home Server fills a gap that has been growing as more homes become two computer homes (or three, or four, or ten!). The home computer used to be a single machine sitting in the den or other room that all family members shared. Now, each family member may have their own computer. Even that was fine before family members started using some of the same things like photos, printers, Internet connections, and so on. What has developed is the need for a server for the home, and that is where Microsoft Home Server comes in.
Microsoft Home Server is designed to handle a lot of those shared functions that have been jury rigged in homes across the country. Instead of going into the office to plug your laptop in to print, or buying a more expensive network ready printer, the Home Server can act as a print server. Same thing for scanners, fax machines, and other devices. Even more, Home Server can act as centralized file storage. Now, Mom can edit some of the Christmas photos while Dad is at bowling and then, the next night, Dad can edit some of the other photos while Mom is at bowling, all without having to somehow synchronize the files first by email, key drive, or additional Internet services. And, when it comes to backups, Windows Home Server can make sure no one loses that critical work project, term paper, school report, or Timmy's first steps video.
